A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlotte and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Charlotte. While Charlotte is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Minneapolis is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area.

How is Charlotte different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis and Charlotte. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.


Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Minneapolis.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Minneapolis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Charlotte or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its evening party scene. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Minneapolis for the nightlife scene. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Minneapolis specifically to go shopping. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Charlotte is a great destination for shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.


Is Charlotte or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Charlotte or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Both Charlotte and Minneapolis are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Charlotte or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.


Is Charlotte or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Charlotte and Minneapolis both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Charlotte or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Minneapolis

Charlotte and Minneapolis are good when it comes to walkability.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Charlotte. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Minneapolis, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Minneapolis than Charlotte. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Minneapolis that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Charlotte if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Minneapolis.


  • How many days in Charlotte or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the up-and-coming city of Charlotte. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

The growing city of Charlotte offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the innovative city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Charlotte. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Charlotte?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charlotte and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Minneapolis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Charlotte


Hotels in Minneapolis


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Charlotte change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Charlotte $46
    Minneapolis $40
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48
  • Charlotte's Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour: $39

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $686
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlotte Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Minneapolis, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Charlotte or Minneapolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charlotte or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Minneapolis. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Charlotte is much warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Charlotte is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In April, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Charlotte

Charlotte Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)